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Dental Fillings
Houston, TX


Rendering of teeth with 3 filling materials from Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS in Houston, TXA restorative dental filling is one of the most conservative ways to repair damaged or decayed teeth. At Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS, Dr. Garcia and Dr. Alexandra Garcia will first determine the health of your tooth before deciding to fill it with one of the varieties of dental fillings.

The Truth About Cavities and Why They Need to Be Filled In Their Early Stage


Many people often go to the dentist when they feel pain in their teeth and think a simple filling would fix the problem. However, contrary to popular belief, a cavity in its early stages does not hurt. What is worse is that a simple glance at your teeth in the mirror cannot help you determine whether your teeth are healthy or not since a cavity can easily develop in hidden places like between and the back of your teeth. Sometimes, a tooth may appear unharmed from above but may have a cavity developing deep inside.

Only when the cavity has penetrated deep inside the dental pulp do most people experience pain. However, at that time, a simple filling is not enough to repair the damage and you may need to resort to more invasive methods to save your tooth. That is why it is important to keep your dental appointments so that we can determine the health of your teeth and repair any developing cavities with a restorative dental filling quickly to prevent further damage.

Different Types of Restorative Dental Fillings


All dental fillings come with their pros and cons. Some of the most common types of fillings we use include:

Gold


Gold fillings are also known as onlays and they are custom-made to fit a person’s teeth. Gold fillings are hypoallergenic and do not react with gums. Gold is also a durable metal and can last for over 25 years. It can withstand a large amount of force, which is why it is preferred for the back teeth. However, gold fillings are very expensive. In addition, gold fillings placed next to silver amalgam fillings can result in galvanic shock; however, this is not very common.

Silver Amalgam


Silver amalgam fillings are made of silver and base metals. These fillings are also popular options for repairing your back teeth. Like gold, these fillings are quite strong and may last for over 15 years if they are taken proper care of. They are also quite affordable. However, amalgam fillings require proper tooth structure to be removed as they require more space than a gold filling to fit on your tooth.

Composite


Composite fillings are made of a mixture of glass and plastic. This filling material is white so they match the natural color of your teeth and hence many people prefer it for their front teeth. The composite resin also adheres very tightly to the tooth, making it stronger. As compared to an amalgam filling, composite resin allows less tooth structure to be removed. However, they only last for three to 10 years with good care. They are also not very resistant to stains.

Porcelain


Like gold fillings, porcelain fillings are also indirect fillings that are prepared in the dental lab. These fillings are the most natural-looking out of all the fillings and can resist stain, unlike composite resin. With good care, porcelain fillings can last for 15 years. However, they are almost as expensive as gold fillings.

Restorative dental fillings are the most effective in repairing minor to moderate cavities. That is why it is important that you keep your six-month dental appointments so that you are not caught unaware by a big cavity. Call us today at (346) 250-2930 so that we can assess the health of your tooth and repair your cavities in their early stages.

Dental Filling


3D rendering of three teeth each with a different dental filling material: composite, amalgam, and goldTooth decay, also known as dental caries, is caused by the acid-producing bacteria found in plaque. These acids eat away at the enamel (the outer-most layer of a tooth), leading to the formation of cavities. At Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS, we always try to treat a cavity before it progresses into a more serious complication. If we diagnose you with a cavity during your routine checkup, we will likely treat the tooth with a dental filling. Fillings can also be used to repair cracked, broken, or worn down teeth, specifically with the use of composite resin.

Filling Materials


There are several types of filling materials, some of which include:

Composite resin


Composite resin is a soft mixture of glass or quartz filler that is color matched to the existing shade of your enamel. For this reason, composite fillings are ideal for cavities that are visible when you smile. The material also provides good durability and can be used for anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth. Due to its aesthetic and functional value, composite is the most popular choice for dental fillings.

Amalgam fillings


Amalgam, or silver fillings, have been used in dentistry for over 150 years. Because they are made from metal, amalgam fillings are extremely resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive. We may recommend amalgam for a large cavity in a posterior tooth due to its durability. However, amalgam fillings have fallen out of favor due to their indiscrete color.

Gold Fillings


Gold fillings are fabricated in a laboratory and then later cemented into place. Also known as inlays, gold fillings have unmatched durability, lasting well over 20 years. Inlays can also be made from porcelain, which is better for cosmetic reasons.

Composite Filling Procedure


We begin the composite filling procedure by using a local anesthetic to numb the area. Next, Dr. Garcia will remove any decayed tooth material and clean out the cavity with a special solution. The surface of the cavity will then be etched and conditioned to create a stronger bond between the composite and the enamel.

Once the tooth is properly prepared, we mix the composite ingredients and place them directly into the cavity. We use a color shade to pick the color of composite that best matches your tooth. After the composite is in place, we use an ultraviolet curing light to harden the material and expedite the bonding process. We then trim any excess material and polish the composite until it matches the sheen of your enamel.

After You Receive a Dental Filling


Dental fillings are easy to care for and maintain. Be sure to follow good oral hygiene practices, and schedule checkups and cleanings at regular intervals. Brushing with ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste can help protect the tooth from further decay. Flossing once a day can also drastically improve your oral health.

Sensitivity issues are normal during the first few days with your new filling. If this issue persists or worsens over time, be sure to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. We may need to repair or replace your filling.

Schedule an Appointment


If you would like to learn more about dental fillings, call (346) 250-2930, and schedule an appointment now!
logo of logo color

Office hours


Mon-Thur 8:00am-5:00pm
Fri 8:00am-1:00pm

Location


777 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 625
Houston, TX 77056-3204

Contact


Office: (346) 250-2930

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Dental Fillings • Dental Implants Houston • Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS
Alexandra Garcia, DDS provides dental fillings to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Call us today to schedule a dental filling in our Houston office today!
Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS, 777 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 625, Houston, TX 77056 + (346) 250-2930 + dralexandragarcia.com + 12/4/2023 + Associated Words: cosmetic dentistry Houston TX +

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